Trying this again since it didn't post to the Hawaii 'section' the first time....
Anyone know anything about this area of Oahu? It's on the north side of the windward shore. We've been looking for a vacation home to rent on Oahu for a month in March and found something that looked interesting but haven't been to this part of the island. So if anyone could share any info it would be much appreciated. Good area? Nice beaches? Convenient to stores, restaurants, etc? We don't need lots of activity and will have a car. Thanks.

Current real estate statistics for the island of Oahu say that Hauula has the lowest priced houses on the island. That should give you some indication of the neighborhood, although I haven't been to the homes and condos with ocean frontage. I've just driven through on the Kam Highway.

It is not convenient to any stores or shopping, but it is near Laie which does have some interesting places to go.

If you are looking to stay on the North Shore I think you would do better renting one of the Turtle Bay condos, or going to the Sunset Beach area, or finding something on the beach in Laie.

Much of Hauula is "kuleana" land (Hawaiian homestead). Many of the people living there have native Hawaiian ancestry.

Might try Punalu'u on the other side of Hauula from Laie. It also is somewhat better for visitors than is Hauula.

Thanks helen, are you saying there's a safety/crime issue in this area or will we not feel welcomed? The house that I'm looking at is on the waterfront. How far is Laie? When I say 'stores' I meant more basic stuff like shopping for groceries etc. as we will probably be cooking most of our meals. Planning on a few meals out for the days when we don't feel like cooking. We don't mind driving to restaurants, just like to get an idea of how far. I will look up the other areas you mentioned. Thanks for your help and suggestions.

Patty,

Most all Hawaiians and Polynesians are quite hospitable and I'm sure they will make you feel welcome, wherever you stay on the island. It is a natural characteristic they possess. Hauula has a bit more crime (theft) than other parts of the island.

You'll do your grocery shopping in Laie, which is two-three miles away.

Restaurants include Ahi's in Punaluu (4-5 miles), Turtle Bay (6 miles?), the restaurants at the PCC and several QSR's in Laie (McDonald's, Subway, L&L). There is also a KFC in Hauula.

Thanks again helen. What do you think of Haleiwa or Kailua? I've driven through these areas but haven't spent an extended amount of time. They looked like interesting places but would like to hear someone else's opinion.

Haleiwa is a fun town and it has some good restaurants - try Haleiwa Joes, Jamesons by the Sea, Kua Aina Burgers, Cholo's Fish Tacos, Haleiwa Cafe. There are good beaches on both sides of town, but you'll find them less crowded as you go toward Wailua and Kaena Point.

Kailua is a good solid middle-class town. It is one of the larger towns on the island so it has plenty of shopping, and chain and local restaurants. Many residents of Kailua commute through the Pali tunnel to work in Honolulu.